Adjustable door frame

ABSTRACT

An adjustable door frame having frame portions formed by first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening. Toothed edges of a tapered shim abut a cooperating tapered anchor to facilitate leveling and plumbing of the frame on a wall. A stop member receiving clip is attached to one of the sections at recessed areas provided on the clip. Cutout portions of the other of the sections are matched with the depressed areas of the clip for clearing these depressed areas and permitting the other section to slide under the clip, thus permitting full adjustment.

United States Patent Maldonado Sept. 23, 1975 [5 1 ADJUSTABLE DOOR FRAME 3,545,135 12/1970 Lieber 49 505 [75] Inventor: Salomon Maldonado, Harlingen, 2 32 [73] Assignee: Tex-Steel Corporation, Harlingen, Primary e hilip C. Kannan Tex. Attorney, Agent, or FirmClarence A. OBrien; Harvey B. Jacobson A [22] F1led: Mar. 20, 1974 [2]] Appl. No.: 452,844 T CT An adjustable door frame having frame portions 52 11.5. C1 49/505; 52/212 f by first and secmd frame sectifms 51 1111. cm E06B 1/20 vely arrangeable I T [58] Field of Search 49/505, 504; 52/212, 213, edges a @R abut a R apered 52/217 208 anchor to fac1l1tate levellng and plumbmg of the frame on a' wall. A stop member receiving clip is attached to [561 21;; 511;553:1515;522 211152?1121:2202; 2:: UNITED STATES PATENTS matched with the depressed areas of the clip for clear- DOWd these depressed areas and permitting the other 2,651,814 9/1953 Lester lr 49/505 X Section to Slide under the clip thus permitting full 2,860,744 11/1958 Mascarl 52/212 justment 3,354,586 11/1967 Besten 49/504 5 3,420,003 l/l969 Cline 49/505 14 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 1 of2 3,906,671

US Patent Sept. 23,1975 Sheet 2 of 2 3 906 71 ADJUSTABLE DOOR FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to a frame assembly, and particularly to an adjustable door frame to be installed on finished existing walls.

2. Description of the Prior Art Adjustable door frames are known in the art. See, for example, US. Pat. Nos. 3,545,135, 2,860,744, 3,420,003, 3,354,586, and 3,654,734. These prior art devices generally comprise a pair of sections which adjustably fit together to conform to the thickness of a particular wall defining the door opening. In particular, U.S. Pat. No. 3,545,135, issued Dec. 8, 1970 to P. B. Lieber, and US. Pat. No. 2,860,744, issued Nov. 18, 1958 to E. P. Mascari, disclose the use of mating teeth to hold the frame sections together ratchet-fashion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable door frame which facilitates frame installation and removal from existing walls, and permits the frame to be reused.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable door frame that may be prefinished at the factory, thus making it possible to install the frame in prefinished walls and save the painting labor to refinish the opening.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable door frame which may be simply installed with only basic tools in a relatively short period of time.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable door frame which can be easily leveled and plumbed to the wall on which it is mounted.

These and other objects are achieved according to the present invention by providing an adjustable door frame having: first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening; a locking arrangement for retaining the frame sections on a wall; and a shim associated with the frame sections for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first and second frame sections each include a longitudinally extending angle member con structed from a sheet material and provided with a pair of legs arranged extending perpendicularly from a corner. One of the legs is arranged for engaging with a corresponding leg of the other section, with one of the engaging legs being formed by a pair of offset, parallel portions. A longitudinal clip is advantageously affixed to the outermost one of the offset portions at a depressed area of the clip, and a cutout is provided in an edge of the other of the engaging legs in such a manner as to bracket the depressed area and allow the leg in which the cutout is provided to slide under the clip.

An anchor is preferably affixed to one of the legs engaging each other, and a cooperating shim adjustably arranged between the anchor and a wall on which the frame is being mounted. The anchor and shim advantageously each have a beveled surface, with a plurality of teeth being provided on the beveled surface of the shim. These beveled surfaces are arranged abutting one another for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame with respect to the wall.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a fragmentary, schematic, front elevational view showing an adjustable door frame according to the present invention arranged in a door opening.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing one end of a portion of a frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken generally along the line 33 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, perspective view showing a comer joint of a frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 55 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken generally along the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, sectional view similar to FIGS. 6 and 7, but showing a modified form of an adjustable door frame according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view showing a frame leveling and plumbing facilitating shim arrangement according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 of the drawings shows an adjustable door frame 10 according to the present invention and comprising spaced, substantially parallel side jambs 12 and 14, and a head jamb 16 extending between jambs l2 and 14. The aforementioned jambs, or frame portions, are anchored to door opening defining walls provided in a cutout portion of a partition-forming wall 18, and the like. Conventional hinges 20 may be provided on one of the jambs, jamb 12 being so provided in FIG. 1, in a conventional manner for hanging a door (not shown) therefrom.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3 of the drawings, each jamb, or frame portion, of frame 10 includes first and second frame sections 22 and 24 cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of a door opening. Each section 22, 24 includes a longitudinally extending angle member constructed from a, for example, sheet material such as steel, and has a pair of legs 26, 28 and 30, 32, respectively, extending perpendicularly from a corner. Legs 28 and 30 are shown as being arranged for engaging with one another in adjustable fashion. Legs 26 and 32 are illustrated as each terminating in a flange 34 parallel to legs 28 and 30, and a lip 35 extending from flange 34 parallel to the associated leg 26, 32 and toward legs 28, 30. As can best be seen from FIG. 3, leg 30 is formed by a pair of offset, parallel portions 36 and 37; portion 37 being offset from portion 36 in the direction of extension of legs 26 and 32.

A clip 38 is affixed to the surface of leg portion 37 which points away from the direction of extension of legs 26 and 32. Attachment of clip 38 to portion 37 is made in a suitable manner, such as by welding, at areas 40 which are depressed from clip 38 when one looks into the clip as seen in FIG. 2. It will be readily appreciated that these depressed areas 40 form protuberances projecting from the rear of clip 38. Cutouts 42 are provided in an edge 44 of leg 28 so as to match the area of depressed areas 40 and bracket same for allowing clearance of leg 28 and permitting same under clip 38. This arrangement provides a simple, yet rigid, manner of providing full adjustment between sections 22 and 24.

As can best be seen from FIG. 2, clip 38 extends longitudinally along its associated leg portion 37. Clip 38 has a web 46 and a pair of arcuate flanges 48 and 50 extending codirectionally from the flanges and bending toward one another. A, for example, suitable spring steel, and the like, is advantageously used to construct clip 38 for a reason which will become clear below.

Referring now to FIG. 4 of the drawings, a tab 52 is provided on an end of leg portion 36, and is arranged for mating with a slot 54 provided in the end of, for example, head member 16. As is best seen in FIG. 4, ends 56 of legs 26 and 32 are advantageously beveled to form a miter butt joint.

Looking now at FIGS. through 9 of the drawings, a lock arrangement is provided for retaining frame sections 22 and 24 on wall 18. This lock arrangement ineludes a fastener for anchoring, for example, frame section 24 to wall 18, as well as a fastener for holding frame sections 22 and 24 together.

Section 24 is anchored to a stud 57 partially forming wall 18 as by a conventional wood screw 58 arranged in an aperture 60 provided in the bottom of depressed areas 40. It is to be understood that each depressed area 40 will be provided with an aperture 60 through which a screw 58 may pass. The sections 22 and 24 are held together as by matching holes 62 and 64 provided in web 46 of clip 38 and leg portion 37, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 7. Cutouts 66 are provided in edge 44 of leg 28 for permitting edge 44 to clear a screw 68, which may be a conventional sheet metal screw, arranged in holes 62 and 64. In this manner, screw 68 will clamp edge 44 of leg 28 between clip 38 and leg portion 37.

A stop member 70 is removably snapped over flanges 48, 50 of clip 38 to provide a doorstop. This stop member 70 is constructed in the form of a substantially rectangular channel having a web 72 and substantially parallel flanges 74 extending from web 72 and provided with projections 76 extending toward one another in a plane substantially parallel to web 72. Stop member 70 will extend longitudinally in a like manner as clip 38.

Astrip 78 constructed from a suitable, known resilient material is advantageously attached along one of the flanges 74 to form a silencer or gasket between stop member 70 and a door (not shown).

FIG. 8 of the drawings shows a clip 38' provided with flanges 48' and 50' of slightly different shape than flanges 48 and 50.

A shim arrangement associated with frame sections 22 and 24 facilitates leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall 18. As best seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and

9, the shim arrangement includes an anchor 80 affixed edges 86 of shim 80. The beveled surfaces abut one another as best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings, with anchor being provided with an car 90 projecting outwardly from beveled surface 84 of anchor 80 for engaging teeth 88 of shim 82 to retain shim 82 in a certain relationship with respect to anchor 80.

As can best be seen from FIG. 9 of the drawings, shim 82 is constructed as a generally U-shaped member having a web 91 provided with a slot 92 through which screw 58 may adjustably pass, and a pair of spaced, substantially parallel legs 94 terminating in beveled edges 86 on which teeth 88 are arranged. Anchor 80 also is formed by a generally U-shaped member in which the web is formed by beveled surface 84. The latter is provided with a hole 96 for receiving screw 58. A pair of legs 98 extend from beveled surface 84 in a spaced, substantially parallel fashion, and terminate in perpendicular flanges 100 provided for affixing anchor 80 to leg 30 of frame section 24. As can be readily appreciated, flanges 100 must be formed from a pair of offset portions to conform to the contour of leg portions 36 and 37 forming leg 30.

When installed, section 24 is to be installed on the opening to be fitted, plumbed, leveled, and then anchored by screw 58 before frame section 22 is applied. An opening, which should be about, for example, 2 inches greater than the frame opening dimensions, is initially left, or cut out, in an existing wall, such as wall 18. To install frame 10, one proceeds to slip in the wall opening the stationary frame section 24. Frame section 24 is anchored to a wall stud 57.with screws 58 which are left loose until section 24 is plumbed and leveled with the adjustable shim 82. The latter is pushed inbetween stud 57 and anchor 80. The latter, as described above, is beveled and has a small flange or ear 90 bent up at the lower end thereof to hook with teeth 88 of shim 82 for locking shim 82 and anchor 80 in place when anchor bolts or screws 58 are tightened. After frame section 24 has been plumbed with adjustable shim 82, screws 58 are tightened. The next step is to slide in frame section 22. This section fits between frame section 24 and clip 38 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings. Press the adjustable frame section 22 against wall 18 and tighten screw 68 to hold section 22 to section 24 in the manner described above.

his understood that the head and jambs are preassembled by interlocking the car 52 with the slot 54 of the head before it is set in the wall. The procedure for anchoring starts with jamb l2 and then 14.

Now take snap-on stop member 70 and fit one projection 76 thereof under a clip 38 associated with, for example, one of the side jambs 12, 14 and press down on the side associated with the other projection 76 until stop member 70 jumps into place. Repeat this procedure with the opposite jamb 14, 12, and with head jamb 16. Then hinges 20 may be installed in a suitable manner and a door (not shown) hung on hinges 20.

If frame 10 is to be removed for any reason, insert a screwdriver in the top slot of one of stop member 70 at the door side, set a wood block, and the like, under the screwdriver, and press down on the screwdriver. Stop member 70 will be forced out of its associated clip 38, thus removing it from frame 10. The frame portions may now be removed by reversing the procedure described above.

In view of the above description, and from the drawings, it will be readily understood that installation and removal of a frame accordingto the present in veri tion is a simple matterddr'ie withbasie tools sdch'a's a screwdriver'a'nd hai'n me'r inarelafivlyisliort length of time; s'uc'h'as'20'miriutes i "f Depressed a r eas '40 'are preferably ioiin'd 1n plan; as is illustrated inthe diawin-g's: a 3sma ba' rdru ample, approximately A inch shorter than the jamb or frame portion associated therewith.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An adjustable door frame, comprising, in combination:

a. first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening;

b. lock means for retaining the frame sections on a wall; and

c. shim means associated with the frame sections for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall, the first and second frame sections each including a longitudinally extending angle member having a pair of legs arranged extending perpendicularly from a corner, one of the legs being arranged for engaging with a corresponding leg of the other section, a pair of offset, parallel portions forming the one of the legs of one of the sections, and a clip being affixed to the outermost one of the offset portions at a depressed area provided on the clip, with a cutout being provided in an edge of the other of the one of the legs and arranged for bracketing the depressed area, the latter allowing clearance for sliding the cutout provided edge under the clip.

2. An adjustable door frame, comprising, in combination:

a. first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening;

b. lock means for retaining the frame sections on a wall; and

c. shim means associated with the frame sections for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall, the first and second frame sections each including a longitudinally extending angle member constructed from a sheet material and having a pair of legs arranged extending perpendicularly from a corner, one of the legs being arranged for engaging with a corresponding leg of the other section, and the other of the legs terminating in a flange parallel to the one of the legs and a lip extending from the flange parallel to the associated leg and toward the one of the legs, a pair of offset, parallel portions forming the one of the legs of one of the sections, a clip being affixed to the outermost one of the offset portions at a depressed area provided on the clip, and a cutout being provided in an edge of the other of the one of the legs and being arranged for bracketing the depressed area, the latter allowing clearance for sliding the cutout provided edge under the clip.

3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the clip extends longitudinally along the associated leg portion,

and the clip has aweband a pair of arcuate flanges extending codirectionally from the web, and further in eluding st'op rrie rriber rernovably snapped over the flanges"; the 'stop mem b'et including a substantially rectangular channel having a web and substantially parallel flang bs' e'xtendin' gdodirectionally tram the web and provided with pfojeet'ions extending toward one another in a plane substantially parallel to the channel web.

4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the shim means'includes an anchor affixed to one of the legs engaging each other and a cooperating shim adjustably arranged between the anchor and a wall on which the frame sections are being arranged.

5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the anchor and the shim each have a beveled surface, a plurality of teeth being provided on the beveled surface of the shim, the beveled surfaces abutting one another, and the anchor being affixed to the same leg portion as the clip and on the opposite surface as is attached the clip, and is provided with an ear projecting outwardly from the beveled surface of the anchor for engaging the shim teeth.

6. A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the lock means includes means for anchoring the first frame section to a wall and providing a solid anchorage where hinges are to be provided on the frame.

7. A structure as defined in claim 6, wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture provided in the depressed area and a fastening element disposed in the aperture, and the locking means further includes matching holes provided in the clip and associated leg portion, a further cutout provided in the leg edge provided with the cutout for clearing the holes, and a further fastener element arranged in the holes and further cutout for clampingly retaining the leg associated with the further cutout between the clip and the leg portion associated with the clip.

8. A structure as defined in claim 7, wherein a tab is provided on one of first and second frame sections forming a one frame portion, and a slot is provided on one of first and second frame sections forming another frame portion, the legs of the frame sections terminating in the flange and lip having ends which are beveled for mating the frame portions when arranged at right angles with respect to one another, the tab and slot interlockingly engaging for holding the frame portions together.

9. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the shim means includes an anchor affixed to one of the frame sections and a cooperating shim adjustably arranged between the anchor and a wall to which the frame sections are to be attached.

10."A structure as defined in claim 9, wherein the anchor and shim each have a beveled surface, a plurality of teeth being provided on the beveled surface of the shim, with the beveled surfaces abutting one another. beveled 11. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the lock means includes means for anchoring the first frame section to a wall.

12. A structure as defined in claim 11, wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture provided in the depressed area and a fastening element disposed in the aperture, and the locking means further includes matching holes in the clip and associated leg portion, a further cutout provided in the leg edge proframe section to a wall.

14. A structure as defined in claim 13 wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture pro- 'vided in one of the first and second frame sections and a fastening element disposed in the aperture for anchoring the associated frame section to the wall. 

1. An adjustable door frame, comprising, in combination: a. first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening; b. lock means for retaining the frame sections on a wall; and c. shim means associated with the frame sections for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall, the first and second frame sections each including a longitudinally exTending angle member having a pair of legs arranged extending perpendicularly from a corner, one of the legs being arranged for engaging with a corresponding leg of the other section, a pair of offset, parallel portions forming the one of the legs of one of the sections, and a clip being affixed to the outermost one of the offset portions at a depressed area provided on the clip, with a cutout being provided in an edge of the other of the one of the legs and arranged for bracketing the depressed area, the latter allowing clearance for sliding the cutout provided edge under the clip.
 2. An adjustable door frame, comprising, in combination: a. first and second frame sections cooperatively arrangeable on a wall of an opening; b. lock means for retaining the frame sections on a wall; and c. shim means associated with the frame sections for facilitating leveling and plumbing of the frame sections on a wall, the first and second frame sections each including a longitudinally extending angle member constructed from a sheet material and having a pair of legs arranged extending perpendicularly from a corner, one of the legs being arranged for engaging with a corresponding leg of the other section, and the other of the legs terminating in a flange parallel to the one of the legs and a lip extending from the flange parallel to the associated leg and toward the one of the legs, a pair of offset, parallel portions forming the one of the legs of one of the sections, a clip being affixed to the outermost one of the offset portions at a depressed area provided on the clip, and a cutout being provided in an edge of the other of the one of the legs and being arranged for bracketing the depressed area, the latter allowing clearance for sliding the cutout provided edge under the clip.
 3. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the clip extends longitudinally along the associated leg portion, and the clip has a web and a pair of arcuate flanges extending codirectionally from the web, and further including a stop member removably snapped over the flanges, the stop member including a substantially rectangular channel having a web and substantially parallel flanges extending codirectionally from the web and provided with projections extending toward one another in a plane substantially parallel to the channel web.
 4. A structure as defined in claim 3, wherein the shim means includes an anchor affixed to one of the legs engaging each other and a cooperating shim adjustably arranged between the anchor and a wall on which the frame sections are being arranged.
 5. A structure as defined in claim 4, wherein the anchor and the shim each have a beveled surface, a plurality of teeth being provided on the beveled surface of the shim, the beveled surfaces abutting one another, and the anchor being affixed to the same leg portion as the clip and on the opposite surface as is attached the clip, and is provided with an ear projecting outwardly from the beveled surface of the anchor for engaging the shim teeth.
 6. A structure as defined in claim 5, wherein the lock means includes means for anchoring the first frame section to a wall and providing a solid anchorage where hinges are to be provided on the frame.
 7. A structure as defined in claim 6, wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture provided in the depressed area and a fastening element disposed in the aperture, and the locking means further includes matching holes provided in the clip and associated leg portion, a further cutout provided in the leg edge provided with the cutout for clearing the holes, and a further fastener element arranged in the holes and further cutout for clampingly retaining the leg associated with the further cutout between the clip and the leg portion associated with the clip.
 8. A structure as defined in claim 7, wherein a tab is provided on one of first and second frame sections forming a one frame portion, and a slot is provided on one of first and second frame seCtions forming another frame portion, the legs of the frame sections terminating in the flange and lip having ends which are beveled for mating the frame portions when arranged at right angles with respect to one another, the tab and slot interlockingly engaging for holding the frame portions together.
 9. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the shim means includes an anchor affixed to one of the frame sections and a cooperating shim adjustably arranged between the anchor and a wall to which the frame sections are to be attached.
 10. A structure as defined in claim 9, wherein the anchor and shim each have a beveled surface, a plurality of teeth being provided on the beveled surface of the shim, with the beveled surfaces abutting one another. beveled
 11. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the lock means includes means for anchoring the first frame section to a wall.
 12. A structure as defined in claim 11, wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture provided in the depressed area and a fastening element disposed in the aperture, and the locking means further includes matching holes in the clip and associated leg portion, a further cutout provided in the leg edge provided with the cutout for clearing the holes, and a further fastener element arranged in the holes and further cutout for clampingly retaining the leg associated with the further cutout between the clip and leg portion on which the clip is attached.
 13. A structure as defined in claim 2, wherein the lock means includes means for anchoring the first frame section to a wall.
 14. A structure as defined in claim 13 wherein the means for anchoring includes at least one aperture provided in one of the first and second frame sections and a fastening element disposed in the aperture for anchoring the associated frame section to the wall. 